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Kimura et al: Long‐term outcomes of 10 dogs weighing less than 4 kg after Zurich mini‐cementless total hip arthroplasty
Veterinary Surgery 6, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

  • Zurich mini-cementless THA was successful in 9/10 hips in dogs <4 kg, with no lameness at 52 weeks in completed cases.
  • Helsinki Chronic Pain Index significantly improved from a mean of 19.8 to 2.3 at 52 weeks (p = 0.0141).
  • Fluoroscopy improved implant positioning, especially in LCPD and HD cases, aiding in accurate reaming and alignment.
  • Intraoperative complications occurred in 2/10 cases, including acetabular fractures; one case required discontinuation.
  • Prophylactic bicortical screws and reinforcement plates were used in cases with rotational instability or cortical compromise and were effective in preventing loosening/fractures.
  • Medial patellar luxation improved postoperatively in one dog, though recurrence was noted later without surgical correction.
  • No stem or implant loosening or fracture occurred over a mean follow-up of 24.4 months.
  • CT is recommended in preoperative planning, particularly in luxoid hip dysplasia cases with uncertain bone stock.

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← Articles

Kimura et al: Long‐term outcomes of 10 dogs weighing less than 4 kg after Zurich mini‐cementless total hip arthroplasty
Veterinary Surgery 6, 2025

🔍 Key Findings

  • Zurich mini-cementless THA was successful in 9/10 hips in dogs <4 kg, with no lameness at 52 weeks in completed cases.
  • Helsinki Chronic Pain Index significantly improved from a mean of 19.8 to 2.3 at 52 weeks (p = 0.0141).
  • Fluoroscopy improved implant positioning, especially in LCPD and HD cases, aiding in accurate reaming and alignment.
  • Intraoperative complications occurred in 2/10 cases, including acetabular fractures; one case required discontinuation.
  • Prophylactic bicortical screws and reinforcement plates were used in cases with rotational instability or cortical compromise and were effective in preventing loosening/fractures.
  • Medial patellar luxation improved postoperatively in one dog, though recurrence was noted later without surgical correction.
  • No stem or implant loosening or fracture occurred over a mean follow-up of 24.4 months.
  • CT is recommended in preoperative planning, particularly in luxoid hip dysplasia cases with uncertain bone stock.

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Multiple Choice Questions on this study

In Kimura 2025 et al., on mini-THA in <4 kg dogs, which intraoperative tool improved acetabular and femoral positioning?

A. Intraoperative CT
B. Pulse lavage
C. Fluoroscopy
D. Dynamic compression plating
E. Ligament balancing guides

Answer: Fluoroscopy

Explanation: Fluoroscopy allowed accurate implant placement in cases with femoral sclerosis or acetabular deformation:contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}.
In Kimura 2025 et al., on mini-THA in <4 kg dogs, what complication led to the discontinuation of a THA procedure in one case?

A. Femoral canal stenosis
B. Trunnion fracture
C. Dorsal acetabular rim fracture
D. Stem malalignment
E. Patellar luxation

Answer: Dorsal acetabular rim fracture

Explanation: In one case, cup impaction led to a rim fracture preventing stem placement:contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.
In Kimura 2025 et al., on mini-THA in <4 kg dogs, which implant strategy was used to reduce risk of femoral fracture during THA in small dogs?

A. Stem cement augmentation
B. Use of longer necks
C. Placement of dual acetabular screws
D. Use of prophylactic bicortical screw and plate
E. Leaving the femoral canal unreamed

Answer: Use of prophylactic bicortical screw and plate

Explanation: Prophylactic screws and plates were used in cases with instability or over-reaming to prevent fracture:contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4}.
In Kimura 2025 et al., on mini-THA in <4 kg dogs, what statistically significant change was observed in HCPI scores from baseline to 1 year?

A. No significant difference
B. Improved only in vocalization
C. Significant improvement in all but vocalization
D. Only mild improvement in total score
E. Worsening of HCPI in half the dogs

Answer: Significant improvement in all but vocalization

Explanation: Statistical analysis showed HCPI dropped from 19.8 to 2.3 (p = 0.0141), with all domains improving except vocalization:contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.
In Kimura 2025 et al., on mini-THA in <4 kg dogs, what was the observed outcome at the 52-week mark in successfully completed cases?

A. All dogs had implant loosening
B. All dogs exhibited persistent lameness
C. All dogs showed complete resolution of lameness
D. Only 50% showed gait improvement
E. No dogs returned to full function

Answer: All dogs showed complete resolution of lameness

Explanation: All completed THA cases had no lameness at 52 weeks:contentReference[oaicite:0]{index=0}.

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Long‐term outcomes of 10 dogs weighing less than 4 kg after Zurich mini‐cementless total hip arthroplasty